This has seemed to some an act of utter barbarity and cruelty. However, a careful investigation of the whole problem of the ways and works of God as revealed in the Scriptures leads to a very different conclusion. It must be remembered that the Israelites acted strictly according to divine orders (Deut. 20:16, 17), and any charge against them is a charge directly against the justice of divine judgments. The Canaanites had reached the limit of their probation. God had given them an adequate opportunity for repentance, just as He gives to every person in this world (John 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9). At last mercy can go no further without interfering with the justice of God. At such a time God must act in order to be true to His character, which includes justice as well as mercy. It often becomes an act of love to cut off those who have had their opportunity, lest their evil example corrupt others (see PP 492). Had the inhabitants of Jericho so desired, they might all have shared in the salvation that came to Rahab and her house (see Additional Note at the close of this chapter).